Chapter 11: Equivalent Exchange.

"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange."

It can be argued that all magic works by the same principle, a charm takes a wizard's energy to create an effect. Transfiguration use it to alter matter for a time, or perhaps even conjure it from nothing; which is everything.

But all magics are timely matter, bound by the count of Cronus and ended by his scythe. As all things should be, and that is a consequence of a rather fascinating effect wizards have studied for generations, while most simply lived with it.

Magic was subject to rejection by the world; as it was the nature of the mundane to reject the extraordinaire, and the nature of the universe to seek balance.

As such, magics were bound by the degree of impossibility they sought to induce. That subjective and unrealistic measure was determined by both innate laws of the world, and the psyche of all things magical that demanded a price.

Creating fire was easy, even the muggles could do it, so Incendio is one of the easiest spells in a wizards repertoire. Same thing with the Ice making jinx and wand-lighting charms, it was acceptable by the minds of magicals and unbothered by the laws of this world and as such simple charms unlikely to tire even the youngest wizards.

Now try to make the fire all consuming, or the ice unmeltable, and you'll find it a much harder task. No need to talk about creating food out of nothing, that was as good as impossible!

The only absolute things were death and taxes, as such the laws of equivalent exchange made it impossible to pay the price for such an extravagant, unnatural magic.

This was something that bothered wizards for times immemorial, how to bypass the costs of magics unfathomable?

This led to the creation of two similar, but different disciplines. One highly esoteric and dangerous, a double edged sword that could ruin the careless. The other was an exact science, accepting no compromise or fault in its workings.

I speak of Rituals and Alchemy.

Both of them bypassed the limitations of simple spellcasting to achieve greater effect, both were intimately linked with the rule of equivalent exchange.

For one look at Voldemort was enough to see the price he paid to achieve his power, and a word with the dead potters would teach of the power behind sacrifice and symbolic properties.

The workings of the two disciplines were similar, but it remained a fact that Alchemy was more averse to self-sacrifice and unnecessary risks.

Which was one of the reasons that pushed Magnus to dabble in alchemic studies, learning the basic rules of transmutations and the essential principles of alchemy in the safety of the Room of Requirement while his housemates revised more standard subjects.

Alchemy, he soon discovered, was an extremely complex, highly interesting art that derived power from its own conundrums and paradoxes.

It studied the workings of elemental manipulation and properties, sympathetic relationships and symbolic powers as well as transmutation in all its forms and the creation of new, highly potent matters. All that with less limitations than common magics, as it uses external factors to obey the laws of equivalent exchange.

In other words; it was an elegant mixture of transfiguration and charms which took a copious amount of steroids.

This was no exaggeration, as it was precisely what the best alchemies were about. Breaking rules of magic while still obeying them; power in conundrums.

The creation of the panacea could heal all things, even non-corporeal harm was no exception. It broke many of the greatest laws of magic, and defied reality openly.

The Elixir of Life was another slap on the face of death, created using the Philosophers stone; a legendary alchemical product which could functionally ignore the rules of equivalent exchange and do the most improbable, impossible, immeasurably impractical things you could imagine into reality.

Eternal life, creating of gold, endless food; it was all possible using the Philosopher's stone.

'And it is currently in this castle.' Thought the black haired boy, a sigh escaping his lips.

It killed him that such a thing was so close, yet so far from him.

But such things were far from his current level, and he would do better learning how to create a self-cleaning tissue to wipe his tears than brooding about things he couldn't have.

And so as the Golden Trio researched Nicholas Flamel, the Eagle was following his steps.

-BREAK-

One day in the middle of December, the castle was assaulted by Demeter's sadness. The whole of Hogwarts was coated in snow, showing the frigid nature of Britain's winters.

Christmas was coming, and many a student would return home for the occasion. Many others would stay, either out of need or want, and for those it was another equally satisfying experience.

But as of now, Flitwick and McGonagall were finishing the decoration of the great hall while Hagrid, gentle giant of his station, brought them the last of the trees. Similar to the decors of Samhain, Yule was the occasion for Hogwarts to wear a new mantle and clad itself in green and red, mirth and joy.

Animated garland, mistletoe and stars were provided by the staff, as each and every tree was decorated and sublimed to reflect the joyous occasion.

It was Hogwarts way of wishing a Merry Christmas to its students.

But an institute of learning would always be that, and in all occasions one can gleam knowledge and wisdom from a dedicated teacher.

Which is why a certain Eagle was accompanying the Scottish animagus and the half-goblin, barking in laughter as the later explained the intricacies of animations by making gingerbread men battle to the death.

" The most important part is to devise both a passive nature to mimic sentience, and active commend to replace the more delicate actions and deliberations which necessitate sapience" Explained the smiling Charm teacher, just as one of the gingerbread men triumphed at the cost of one of his limbs.

" A passive nature might be enough if created with sufficient skill, it is a preferable approach as it does not necessitate the caster's focus to be maintained." Added professor McGonagall, about to vanish the remains.

Yet a certain famished ginger dashed at them, devouring the sentient animations with glee; much to the onlookers consternation.

" By Morgana's thrice damned cheese…" cursed a horrified Magnus, for more than one reason.

"Mr. Weasley! Show some decency!" Professor McGonagall didn't fare much better.

" My gingerbread men…" squeaked a shocked Flitwick, who was being comforted by his student.

"They didn't stand a chance professor, it was just…they probably didn't feel a thing." Reassured the amber eyed boy, who was having a hard time ignoring what just happened.

'They weren't really living beings…but bloody hell, this boy's messed up.' Thought a flabbergasted Ravenclaw while McGonagall was explaining why eating animations that fought on the floor was wrong.

While the students and teachers were busy, two Gryffindors were currently arguing silently, doing their best not to attract attention.

"I'm telling you, we should just ask him." Whispered Harry Potter, the boy who shone in the last quidditch match after catching the snitch with his mouth.

"It will end badly, Harry. It would be much better to ask Hagrid, he will give in soon." Responded his bushy haired friend in kind.

" We must find out what Snape is trying to steal, waiting is not an option Hermione." Argued Potter, surprisingly firm for a boy with as much personal issues as SpongeBob.

The brunette could only relent, much to her discontentment.

Although she only ever spoke to him once, when they were in the train. The dark haired Ravenclaw had an uncanny talent to annoy her, all the while never approaching her.

He was troubles, that much was clear to her. While he maintained a courteous and polite front befitting of his slightly haughty looks, there was no hiding the mischief that would occasionally appear in his eyes.

But the mischievous glint was still preferable to the cold, calculating look he'd adopt every once in a while. His eagle-like eyes were unnerving enough when he didn't look like he was plotting someone's death, that was downright terrifying.

Her dissatisfaction with her fellow muggleborn of course didn't stem from the fact that he surpassed her in all practical subjects; while she prided herself in her supremacy in history of magic, herbology and astronomy, the boy ruled over charms, transfiguration and potions.

'Defense didn't count' she thought 'Professor Quirrell is simply too much.'

Even for the legendary teacher's pet, the stuttering, blabbering, turbaned buffoon was something she couldn't stand. Quirinus must be proud of his acting skills!

Sadly, it was too late. As her new friend already started walking toward the amber eyed boy, intent on questioning him. And all she could do was swallow the lump in her throat and follow behind him, the things she did for her friends…

" Excuse me, can I ask you a question?" Her friend's composure all but broke when faced with the inquisitive eagle-like gaze piercing through him.

Harry felt like the boy could see right through him and perceive his mind, it was the kind of feelings Dumbledore and Snape would give him. But different at the same time, Snape felt like he could read his thoughts. Dumbledore on the other hand, felt like he knew everything, so the thoughts of an eleven year old weren't even worth his time.

But Magnus, he looked like he knew his secrets. As if lying to him would be pointless; there was no hiding, no running….it felt like he knew.

That thought sent a shiver down his spine, he knew it was nothing but his imagination, that he shouldn't let it get to him. But the thought of anyone knowing his secrets filed him with dread, he didn't want to think about his new friends reaction…

"Relax." A calm voice brought him out of the hole his mind tried to throw him in.

As he raised his eyes, he saw neither disgust nor hostility. The boy's rapacious features softened, he was still scary, but didn't look like he would hunt him down and gut him like a rabbit.

"So..Sorry" He mumbled, the assurance he gathered through the last couple of months evaporating in thin air.

"You said you wanted to ask me something." Prompted Magnus, not asking a question but soliciting an answer nonetheless. It wasn't necessary to use mind games when dealing with children, much less Harry Potter, but old habits were hard to kill.

"Yes! I mean no...I…we wanted to ask you a question. It's alright if you don't answer…" mumbled the green eyed boy.

Magnus felt that Snape would give him point for the distress he caused the scrawny child of his nemesis, unwillingly as it was.

'He'll manage, Dumbledore will watch over him.' Thought the boy, denying the pity that urged him to act.

Potter was the archetype of the abused child, he didn't need to read his surface thoughts to know that. He was emotionally instable, affection starved. Loathed attention as his psyche associated it with punishments, he had absolutely no sense of self-preservation whatsoever and would die to save a stranger.

The boy had been literally imprisoned in a cupboard, converted into the Dursley's servant as soon as he could do cores by himself. His physical and emotional growth were stunted, he latched onto the first friends he made and fell in love with literally the first girl who showed interest in him.

Harry Potter was being groomed to be a Martyr, that much was clear to Magnus. And for that same reason, he could not help him without putting his own life and prosperity in jeopardy.

"Just ask, Potter, I don't bite." Sighed the boy.

"Do you know who is Nicholas Flamel?" it was Granger who asked him, fed up with the state her friend was put in.

"Of course, I do." Answered Magnus, raising an imperious eyebrow, his eyes gaining the mischievous glint she came to associate with…

'troubles…' Thought Hermione, holding back a sigh.

"And can you tell us about him?" She questioned him, knowing a headache was about to plague her day.

"I can." He smiled at her, giving a wink to Harry who just recovered enough mental facilities to interpret the situation.

"…" Hermione really, really disliked Magnus Arran. She waited for him to get tired of this charade and spill the beans, yet all she got from him was an amused smile and a dead silence.

"Hi! So who's that Nicholas Flamel bloke?" Asked Ronald Weasley, gingerbread all over his face, much to Hermione's grievance.

The boy lack of politesse could make the sacrifice she made worthless, it could aggravate the amber eyed Ravenclaw enough for him to leave their question unanswered.

"Hello, Weasley." Smiled Magnus "Nicholas Flamel is a legendary alchemist, he worked with Dumbledore for a while."

"Impossible, We've read all about famous wizards of the last two centuries, there was no mention of Nicholas Flamel." Replied an infuriated Hermione.

"Of course there isn't." chuckled Magnus "The man is much, much older than that."

"What do you mean?" Asked Harry, not as irked by the boy's antics as his bushy haired companion.

"Nicholas Flamel is the first and only wizard who managed to create the Philosopher's stone, an object of tremendous power capable of performing miracles of magic." Informed them the boy, his smile thinning a bit. "It can be used to transform lead into gold, brew the most powerful healing potion and even overcome death for a time."

The boy's smile had already evaporated as the realization downed on the trio.

"If it could defeat death than…" started Granger, before being interrupted by Magnus.

"Yes, Nicholas Flamel is functionally immortal." Stated the Ravenclaw, who had considered his words carefully.

"You owe me one, Potter." Informed them the boy solemnly "One day, you will have to pay me back."

As Hermione was about to respond that they could have found it by themselves, and as such owed him nothing but thanks, she made eye contact with him.

A grave mistake her companions had also made.

The dead serious Eagle-eyed boy stared down at them. A predatory gleam in his eyes replacing the mischief they previously held, and oh, how she missed the mischief. His air of easy-elegance acerbated into more severe poise, it reminded them of a certain Animagus.

He knew all about them, could see through their every lie, he knew their weakness, their strengths. Magnus knew their every deed, every rule they broke. The strict but fair aura McGonagall exuded was mimicked with more or less effectiveness, but it was enough.

"…Yes" Answered Harry, his throat felt very dry.

And just like that, it vanished, he returned to his jovial courteous self as if it didn't mean a thing to him. Which it probably didn't, as they realized it was simply their mind playing tricks on them.

"Merry Christmas, guys." He smiled at them, before leaving without further adieux.

"Merry Christmas " they mumbled absentmindedly, their mind preoccupied by Snape's supposed nefarious deeds.

But they learned a lesson that day; They shouldn't mess with Magnus Arran.

-BREAK-

Magnus sighed as laid down on a couch the room created for him, the previous events were not part of his plans. But he managed to make the most out of it, helping the children was good for his morals. While the Boy-Who-Lived owing him a favor would be useful in one of his future ventures, in the end it all turned out alright.

'The important thing is that Dumbledore's vision of me will be favorable enough' he thought, rubbing his forehead, 'As it is, I appeared to be a helpful but opportunistic child with a playful side; it is not erroneous but it serves my purpose. Not to appear like the second coming of Tom Riddle.'

Magnus took care to show appropriate reactions, so that in the likely events that Dumbledore would look into Harry's memories. He'd see an intimidating but helpful child with much knowledge and ready to share, with the subjectivity of one's memories, he'd probably put most of the blame on Harry's own insecurities influencing his perception of Magnus.

His simulation of professor McGonagall on the other hand would convince the Headmaster that Magnus was still in the light, admiring a professor with a reputation for her fairness and discipline translated into respect of those values, which coupled with her statue as a Gryffindor and trusted ally of Dumbledore meant that the boy was in the right path, as far as the old goat was concerned.

It was a risky bet, but one that would go a long way to free him from Dumbledore's possible suspicions. He thus exchanged relative anonymity that wouldn't last, and would surely show him in the lenses that witnessed the rise of Tom riddle if Magnus ever displayed too much brilliance; which he surely would, for the image of a promising young man in the light whose in need of guidance, and found it in the illustre Professor McGonagall.

He couldn't hide forever, and if he wanted to be nurtured he'd have to show some good will. That way, his growth will not alert the old man.

The second coming of Hiruzen Sarutobi could do with an extremely gifted muggleborn who looked up to McGonagall.

A hidden monster in his own school, though, would be less appreciated, and Magnus didn't want him to give Harry a sword to smite him for the greater good.

"I should probably cut my hair…"mumbled the mentally exhausted wizard, noticing that his black luscious hairs were a bit too long for his comfort.

-BREAK-

"Why is Snape glaring at you?" Asked Susan bones.

"I don't know, he's been like that for a few days." Responded Magnus.

Yes, surprisingly enough, it was not potter who had to deal with the grumpy old bat. Magnus who was previously on 'good' terms with the unlikable potion master, has been subject to the latter's ire for reasons he could not fathom.

"I'll have to look into that…" mumbled the amber-eyed boy with a frown.

"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing his chipmunk like friend was looking at him strangely. Well, more strangely than usual.

The girl found him cute, which was honestly not something he'd like to hear from an eleven years old. But he did not fault her, girls were interested in those things sooner than boys after all, and he was indeed bloody adorable.

'As long as she doesn't pinch my cheeks, we're good.' Was his stance on the matter.

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Uncle Sheo is here!

This one is longer than usual, filled with foreshadowing and symbolisms and all kind of hints.

Magnus finally dabbled in Alchemy! I have much in mind for that specific discipline, i also wrote a bit on my take on magic and it's rules.

What's with Snape? Will Dumbledore approach Magnus? Who's Magnus's Love interest? Will Ron ever stop eating weird stuff? We'll see that in the next chapter, until then...

Peace and Cheese!